Properties of Beech in Tension Perpendicular to the Grain and Their Relation to Drying

Green logs of beech (Fagus sylvatica) were converted to 1-1/4-inch planks of heartwood and kiln-dried to 18, 12, and 6 percent moisture content. Sections were planed to test dimensions and tested in tension for maximum load (ML), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and proportional limit (PL) in the tangential direction, perpendicular to the grain at 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160?F., and at the given moisture content. ML, MOE, and PL decreased with increasing temperature and moisture con tent. Percentagewise, ME was most affected. ML showed the greatest sensitivity to temperature at 18 percent MC. Regression equations are given. Because the plastic range is extended by increased temperature and MC, tension set occurs at lower loads. Although maximum strength is reduced by increasing the duration of loading, the maximum strain is affected only to a very small degree.

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